Fishing & Marine Magazine

The fishing reel market has evolved massively over the last few decades.

Reel technology has boomed, and manufacturers have really flooded the market with amazing equipment.

The good news is that the price of fishing reels have dropped considerably, and you can get a reliable reel for less then $100!

So to help you get started, lets take a look at some of the different types of fishing reels, and what they are used for.

Spinning Reels:

One of the most common types of reel, commonly known as an eggbeater reel.

These are very popular due to their ease of use, and ability to fish in many types of fishing environments.

The sizes of these reels range from a 1000, which is good for freshwater and inshore light species. To a huge 20,000 size which is essentially an oversize reel used for heavy tackle fishing and surf fishing.

These reels can be very expensive, but come with incredible technology.

However, you can also pick up a good quality spinning reel, with plenty of drag for around $100.

The market for these reels is so big, that you will need to do a bit of research to workout which is the best reel for you. If so, make sure you check out the Fishing Reel Reviews (https://fishingreelreviews.net) website, for all the information you need.

Baitcasting Reels:

These can also be known as a low profile reel.

They are a compact style of reel, and they are almost exclusively used for fishing with lures.

These reels can be difficult to use for a novice angler, however with practice baitcasting doesn’t take long to get the hang of.

These reels allow for incredible casting accuracy.

They also come with a thumb bar that allows for a quick release, which helps with quick casting.

Lure fisherman absolutely love these reels as they provide a very high retrieve rate.

Baitcasting reels can be used with both braid and monofilament. They also have a star drag system which gives very precise drag control.

Conventional Reels:

Overhead or drum reels can have either a lever drag or start drag.

These are very simple and easy to use reels that are commonly used for bottom fishing and trolling.

They are also fantastic for fishing with live baits.

If you have every been charter fishing, then you most likely will have used an overhead reel.

With so many different species and so many hotspots, it’s become an option for anglers worldwide. If you’re looking to get into bass fishing, then it’s time to think about what’s required before moving forward.

Here are some of the most important details to keep in mind when it comes to bass fishing.

What is Bass Fishing?

Established in the late 1800s, bass fishing has quickly grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. It’s one of the most anticipated activities in fishing and is admired by anglers. The term “bass” is used to define a subset of fishes that are also known as “black bass” in North America. The reason for this type of fishing being popular has to do with availability and general easiness compared to other types.

Basses are much easier to catch, and that can make them an excellent option for beginners.

These fish can be found in several spots including lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and reservoirs. It’s important to get to those hotspots at the right time of the year for bigger catches!

Key Items:

Beginners will have to be ready when it comes to bass fishing. You need the right kit in hand, so you’re fully prepared for what’s going to happen at the lake, river, or stream. Without the right tools, you may be left in a bad spot without anything to show for your effort.

So, what do you need before going out?

You will need the following items:

Traditional Spinning Rod and Reel

3/0 Offset Worm Hook

1/4 oz Bullet Weights

Carolina Rigs

Soft Plastic Baits (Green Often Works Well!)

Pliers/Scissors

These items will go a long way in ensuring your trip out ends up leading to great results! Take your time buying each item and make sure you’re getting something that’s well-reviewed and built to last.

Best Spots for Bass Fishing:

Along with having the right gear, you also need to find the right spots.

Whether you’re in North America or somewhere else, this information may end up saving you a lot of time. There are several “hotspots” around the world that are deemed to be great with regards to catching basses.

These hot spots include:

Lake Erie (New York)

Sam Rayburn Reservoir (Texas)

Falcon Lake (Texas)

Arve River (France)

Lech River (Austria)

These are just some of the names that pop up with regards to bass fishing hotspots. With so many different options, beginners can find one that is in line with their needs. Don’t be afraid to venture out because there’s a lot of fun to be had!

Tips for Bass Fishing:

1) Use Red and Green

If you’re going to be investing in soft plastic baits, then it’s also important to look into the color combinations on offer. For example, with basses, you want to be able to use red and green baits because these work well.

Basses are attracted to these colors and will end up hooking on quickly.

2) Find the Shallow Areas

Wherever the water becomes shallow in comparison to the rest of the lake/river, this is where you want to go! Those shallow areas are ideal for catching basses because that’s where they go to rest.

If you get them in these areas, you will have a great time.

3) Face the Wind

Yes, the direction of the water is going to matter and facing the wind is a good idea. The water is going to move with the wind, and you want to be facing towards it. This will ensure the basses come towards you as soon as you set up.

Final Thoughts:

Bass fishing is an incredible experience filled with many enjoyable moments. However, it’s important to do your research as a beginner! You don’t want to head out and get stuck in the middle of nowhere with little to show for your work.

This happens all the time, and it’s one of the reasons beginners are taught to understand what they’re doing.

With these tips in mind, you’re going to be well on your way to catching some big Bass. Get to those hotspots, set up, and use your quality tackle and start fishing!

There are many different types of fishing gear out there, and it can be a bit overwhelming if you’re just getting into the hobby. The good news is that just a little bit of studying and experience will help you learn all you need to know about fishing gear to make every outing as successful as possible.

The Style of Fishing:

Big Game Fishing Marlin Jumping.

The style of fishing matters drastically when it comes to fishing gear. Fly fishing, ice fishing, saltwater fishing, and freshwater fishing all require different equipment as well as different setup. Generally speaking, it’s not all interchangeable, and there are tools for each style of fishing that are needed for one method but not others. As long as you understand this, you’ll be able to make sure you have the right gear. A shelter is necessary for ice fishing, and a fly fishing rod is only used for that one particular type of angling.

Type Of Rod:

Fly fishing requires a particular rod. While this isn’t necessarily the case for ice fishing, many ice fishing enthusiasts recommend telescopic fishing rods because of there space saving ability. These rods are designed to take up less space so you can be in a shelter and keep the line off jagged edges where it is more likely to be cut. On the other hand, there are many open-faced reels and rods that can be used for both freshwater and coastal saltwater fishing.

One of the big things to pay attention to is the “action” of the rod. This refers to how reactive it is. If a rod has high action, it is going to be very sensitive. You’ll find it easier to know when a fish hits and to set the hook, but will have a hard time with larger fish because the fight they put up will put a strain on the rod and the line. On the other hand, if a rod is a low action, it is better built for really large fish, but you’ll have to pay attention since you won’t feel tentative hits nearly as much.

What type of fish you’re going after may help determine whether you want a low, medium, or heavy action rod.

Type Of Reel:

This goes along with style to some extent, but even beyond that, there are options. Baitcasting reels are generally not for beginners but give some outstanding control when it comes to casting. Most anglers prefer open-faced reels although in some cases closed face reels might be used for freshwater fishing, especially for smaller fish or when helping teach kids how to fish for the first time.

Reels can help determine casting ability, distance, and you want to work on finding a rod and reel combination that work well together.

Fishing Line:

The fishing line is an essential part of any setup. Higher pound test line for big fish, lower for smaller ones. You will want to look at a variety of factors including how well the line is made, the likelihood it will hold or break, as well as matching it with an appropriate reel to make sure you have enough.

Berkley FluoroCarbon

Tackle and Bait:

This is going to vary immensely based on what you’re going after. Carp fishing means sitting up some baited rods on shore with a fish alarm, sitting in a favorite lawn chair, and reading away. If you’re going after northern pike, you need busy lures that get attention and encourage an aggressive response. Each area has its own ecosystem which will help determine what colors, patterns, are going to be effective versus which ones will be less likely to induce a strike.

Boat or Shore?

If you have a boat obviously you need the appropriate motor as well as fishfinder. If you’re fishing from the shore, these are much less necessary. Where you’re fishing will help determine if you need additional gear like waders, a hat with fly fishing flies, or even what type of net to bring along.

In Conclusion:

There are many different things to think about when it comes to fishing gear, but by keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be prepared to make sure you’re adequately prepared and equipped for your next outing. Having the right gear will help you get the most out of your next outing.

Fishing with live bait is an effective way of catching fish; especially in areas with very cold water. When the water is cold, the fish can tend to be a little more sluggish, and they will be lured in by live bait quite readily. There are a few considerations with live bait, however, that you might not need to take into account with lures. Making sure that you have the right equipment and the facilities to keep the bait live until you need to fish is essential.

Live Bait Is Not Legal Everywhere

Before you start fishing with live bait, make sure that it is legal to do so in your area, and that the owner of the waters you are fishing is happy with it too. Live bait is not permitted everywhere, so it is vital that you confirm this.

Once you know that you are allowed to use live bait, your next consideration should be the equipment:

The Rod

If you are fishing in a relatively small watercourse, then you will need a relatively short rod. In most cases, a 3.4m rod will do. If you are fishing in much bigger rivers, then you will want a rod that is 4m or longer, to allow you to cast out further.

Choosing A Reel

When you are fishing with live bait, you should use a small reel with a shallow spool. The spare line that is on the reel is just there to be used while you are playing the fish ready to draw it in. A thicker, more bulky reel with a large spool will just get in the way. This may not be what you are used to, but you will quickly come to find that lighter reels are just more comfortable to use.

Using Weights And Sinkers for Live Bait

You will need two lines. A lot of people make the main line a brightly colored one so that they can keep track of it as the line drifts in the water. The leader, on the other hand, is the line that goes to the bottom of the river and that has the bait on it. This line needs to be transparent. You can use nylon or fluorocarbon that is invisible when in the water. The line should be strong enough to take the fish but fine enough not to be seen.

You will want to attach a sinker to the leader so that it will drop to the bottom. Choosing a good sinker and positioning it appropriately will make your bait drift in a realistic way, which means that the fish are more likely to bite. When fishing in still waters, space the weights out a bit. Put them closer together if there is a strong current. Experiment with different distances depending on the depth of the river.

Bait Storage

Live Bait Tank

If you are carrying live bait with you, then you will want to keep it in cold water and have the water well aerated if possible. Live bait can cope with very cold temperatures. In fact, cold temperatures are often better for live bait because they slow the metabolism of the bait so that it uses less oxygen and will be less agitated. Using a pump helps to keep the oxygen levels in the water high enough to keep the bait alive until you are ready to use it. When you have standing water, it will become stagnant and unable to support life rather quickly.

Some people keep their live bait for a couple of days before they use it. The logic here is that in this time period you will be able to weed out the ‘weak’ bait. When you are ready to fish you will use bait that is more likely to attract the nice big fish you are hoping for.

Choosing Hooks

Choose a hook that will hold the bait in place properly and allow the fish to go for it while still ensuring that the fish will get caught on the hook. The last thing you want is for the fish to get the bait but then swim off well fed and happy. Make the bait as attractive as possible while still ensuring the catch.

Fish finders, depth sounders or echo sounders … what ever you want to call them, can be very overwhelming and difficult to set up and understand.

This post is the first in a series that is aimed to help beginners understand the basics of a fish finder, and what it is all about.

Used properly, this technology can massively improve your catch rate and time on the water.

I am going to use the term Fish Finder through out this article, but it equally applies to depth sounder, or echo sounder.

What Is A Fish Finder For?

Dumb question right? Obviously for finding fish!

There is a little bit more to it than that.

Whilst they are used to try and detect fish, they also function as a tool for navigation, and finding new underwater structure.

Manufacturers will design a unit with both a transducer and sounder unit, that have a set of functions and options that allow the user to find structure and fish in a given set of conditions.

Understanding how these setting and functions work on a specific sounder unit will have a very positive effect on your ability to find and target fish.

Once you truly understand how to read your fish finder, you will know how to spot fish, and what is the best way to position yourself to catch them.

The Best Way To Learn How To Use Your Fish Finder.

Most fish finders will come with a simulator mode.

So before you get out on the water, read through the manual!

Then set your finder into simulator mode, and start playing around with the settings following the instructions in your manual.

After doing this for 45 minutes or so, you will get that hang of it and you will start to understand how it all works.

Then get out on the water and start exploring these functions of the fish finder you’re familiar with. This is when you can fine tune your settings, and you will start to find it easy to read your screen and know when and how to change settings.

Don’t try and learn all the settings and functions at once, you will overwhelm yourself and quickly lose interest.

Instead take the time to learn a few specific settings and functions that are relevant to the type of fishing you want to do. Then when you are used to what you’re doing, and are able to target more fish, then branch out into exploring more of the functions and settings available to you.

How A Fish Finder Detects Fish:

The units transducer will send a sound wave down to the sea floor.

The sound wave will strike the fish, and this will be reflected back to the unit as an echo signal.

The strength and quality of the signal will depend on a number of factors.

The body and density of a fish are poor reflectors. Therefore the gases in the swim bladder and stomach of the fish are the main factors that contribute to a good reflective signal.

A large massed fish, that has a large swim bladder will produce a nice solid target on the fish finder.

That is all for now. Hopefully this article gave you an idea of the basics of how these systems work.

My advice is to get reading your manual, and start playing around with the functions and settings of your unit before you get on the water.